Yuxian county in Yangquan city signed a tech partnership agreement with Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences on Jan 18, becoming the 17th county to announce formal links with the academy.

The academy will offer Yuxian technical support in brand building, the research and development of farm produce, and in training skilled workers for agricultural professions. It will also assist with improving the quality of local farm produce.

The two sides will work together to develop organic farming in the drier regions of the county, focusing on the utilization of straw and the growing and processing of mushrooms. They will also aim to raise the profile of the county's grain brands, while applying the latest agricultural technologies to build a modern and efficient farming industry in Yuxian county.